LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has intensified preparations for the T20 World Cup and the upcoming home series against Australia, as discussions over the national squad enter a decisive phase.
According to sources, final consultations among the selection committee, team management, and senior players will take place later this week. Head coach Mike Hesson is expected to return to Lahore following the conclusion of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka, where further deliberations will be held regarding squad composition and balance.
Members of Pakistan’s T20 squad are returning home after completing the Sri Lanka series, while captain Salman Ali Agha is also scheduled to participate in the consultation process. Once discussions conclude, the squad will be finalized with the approval of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
PCB has already submitted an initial list of players to the ICC for the T20 World Cup, though changes can still be made before the January 31 deadline without special approval.
Sources indicate that the core group under consideration includes captain Salman Ali Agha along with Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.
The pace attack is expected to feature Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, with Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay also being assessed as part of the fast-bowling options. Meanwhile, Abdul Samad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Usman Tariq are likely to be kept in reserve as backup options.
The final squad announcement is expected soon as Pakistan sharpens its focus on the global tournament and a demanding home series against Australia.
